A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has proposed a battery design applicable for Mars exploration. The battery features high energy density and long cycle performance. The research findings were published in “Science Bulletin”.
The study, conducted by Professor Dan Bang and PhD candidate Xiao Hu from the University of Science and Technology of China, has achieved significant advancements in the study of Martian atmospheric batteries.
The battery utilizes components from the Martian atmosphere (simulating the ratio of atmospheric components on Mars) as the fuel material for the battery reaction, enabling high energy density and long cycle performance.
The Mars battery directly absorbs the Martian atmosphere as fuel during electricity generation. (Illustrative image: NASA).
The research team also simulated the environment on the Martian surface by combining temperature fluctuations and creating a Mars battery system capable of continuously generating electricity.
The study reveals that at a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius, the battery can achieve an energy density of up to 373.9 watt-hours per kilogram, with a cycle life of charging and electricity generation lasting 1,375 hours, meaning that the battery can operate for approximately 2 months on Mars.
Mars has a complex natural environment, including various gas components and significant temperature fluctuations. Based on this, the research team developed a unique Martian battery that directly absorbs the Martian atmosphere as fuel during electricity generation, significantly reducing the battery’s weight and facilitating easier transport into space. When depleted, the battery can be recharged using solar energy from the Martian surface in preparation for the next electricity generation cycle.
The research team believes that this study provides empirical evidence for the concept of applying Martian batteries in actual Martian environments and hopes to further develop this battery in a solid-state form in future research, laying the groundwork for the development of a multifunctional energy supplement system in future space exploration.
